Dr. Lakelyn is joined by Nicole Smith—author, advocate, and dementia daughter—for a heartfelt conversation about caring for multiple parents living with dementia across different states during the pandemic. Nicole shares what it was like to navigate healthcare, legal, and financial systems while learning the language of caregiving in real time. Together, they discuss the importance of building a care team, the emotional realities of asking for help, and how Nicole transformed her experience into advocacy through her book Diagnosis Dementia and leading a Daughterhood Circle. This episode offers validation, perspective, and practical guidance for caregivers—especially those caring from a distance.

Episode highlights include:

-Caring for multiple loved ones with dementia across state lines

-Navigating the healthcare, legal, and financial complexities of caregiving

-Why building a care team matters—and why it’s so hard to ask for help

-Turning lived experience into advocacy through Diagnosis Dementia and Daughterhood Circles

-Practical insight and encouragement for long-distance caregivers

Helpful links from the episode:

Nicole’s website: www.njsmithbooks.com

Book: Diagnosis Dementia by Nicole Smith

Daughterhood Circles: daughterhood.org

Area Agencies on Aging: eldercare.acl.gov/home

Find Geriatric Care Managers - Aging Life Care Association (ALCA): aginglifecare.org

Steve Gurney: retirementlivingsourcebook.com

To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats. Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by emailing Dr. Lakelyn at caregiverchats@homeinsteadinc.com.

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